Southampton: India are seldom so methodical. It started with Jasprit Bumrah, who got cracking from the word go, getting rid of the openers; then, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal ensnared four for 51, pulverising the middle order. Incidentally, South Africa had a rag-tag injury-depleted team – de Kock, who took a wonder catch, and the three seam bowlers, Rabada, Morris and Phehlukwayo. They made most of the runs, then bowled superbly, only to see the Indians get away, thanks to shoddy fielding and sheer bad luck.
But the day belonged to Rohit Sharma who made the most of an early chance to post an unbeaten 122 and steer India to a six-wicket win. India surpassed the victory target of 228 with 15 balls to spare, diminishing South Africa to a third successive defeat. Now, South Africa will have to win its remaining six league games to have a glimmer of hope of reaching the semi-finals. ‘‘Hats off to Rohit,” said Virat Kohli, “His innings was special. Very professional. Bumrah was also just brilliant. After I caught de Kock off him my hands were buzzing, that’s how quick he’s bowling. And Chahal was outstanding as well.”
